Legal Checklist for Caregivers
According to the American Bar Association, attorneys are often asked for advice about adults who are becoming helpers or caregivers for a family member. The Commission on Law and Aging of the American Bar Association has developed a checklist as preliminary advice for caregivers and their loved ones as they begin this often complex legal and personal relationship.
1. Understand the person’s capability for making decisions related to their care. Seek help to evaluate and support people with compromised capacity.
2. Know what legal authority you have, which can be through powers of attorney for financial and/ or health care; by default through surrogate laws for health decisions, which vary from state to state; and guardianship or conservatorship proceedings through local courts.
3. Appoint a health care agent — someone to make health care decisions when you are unable to make them for yourself. This can also include guidelines about how decisions should be made, and a talk with trusted loved ones or advisors about what your life priorities are and your goals for the care you want.
4. Complete a financial power of attorney. Do not rely on joint bank accounts to protect all parties. Consult with an attorney to create documents applicable to your specific situation.
5. Manage Social Security/veterans benefits. Managing someone else’s Social Security benefits requires being appointed as a representative payee; powers of attorney are not recognized by the SSA. The Department of Veterans Affairs has a similar procedure.
6. Know your rights of access to health information. Health care providers cannot disclose a patient’s personal health information without consent except in limited circumstances. While the patient still has capacity, they can give you rights to access such information. This can be done by naming you or the caregiver as their health
care power of attorney. Otherwise, health care providers have broad discretion under the law to determine what is in the patient’s best interest.
7. Be aware of the signs of abuse, neglect, and exploitation. As a caregiver, you’re the front line of protection against abuse and neglect as well as financial exploitation. Know what action to take when you see red flags.
8. Know your rights if you face family responsibilities discrimination. Working while also caregiving creates enormous demands on caregivers. Being criticized, downgraded, or fired because of the need to take periodic or unplanned time off to care for a loved one may constitute family responsibilities discrimination. While most states do not prohibit family responsibilities discrimination, legal protections based on other laws may.
9. Understand your rights under the Family and Medical Leave Act, which entitles someone up to 12 weeks of unpaid job-protected leave per year to care for a parent, spouse, or child. However, it only applies to employers with more than 50 employees. Some employers voluntarily provide paid family and medical leave; for specifics, check your employee benefits.
10. Consider personal care agreements. Caregiving may require a financial sacrifice, particularly if a caregiver must cut back or give up work because of caregiving responsibilities. A loved one who receives care from a family member may wish to provide compensation to that caregiver. However, it can create problems with health benefits such as Medicaid, can bring up tax questions, and may create family conflict. Use a formal personal care agreement to spell out terms and expectations.
This article was prepared by the American Bar Association, Commission on Law and Aging, americanbar.org/law_aging. It is intended solely to highlight issues that may arise and is not intended to be and should not be considered as legal advice. For your individual situation, you should consult with a qualified attorney.
Home Efficiency Upgrades
Are they worth it?
By Miranda Boutelle
Q: How do I calculate the return on investment when considering home efficiency upgrades?
A: For many people, their home is the biggest investment and the largest purchase they make in their lives. We want to make sure that we make good decisions to protect and maximize the benefits of the investment in our homes. Energy efficiency upgrades are potential investments that can save money by reducing the energy used in your home and pay for themselves over time. Using return on investment is a common method to determine the benefit of an upgrade. It measures the gain or loss of an investment relative to the cost. ROI is calculated by dividing the net profit — the total cost of the investment subtracted from total revenue generated — by the cost of the investment and multiplying by 100 to find the ROI percentage. The higher the percentage, the better the investment.
If you take out a loan, home equity line of credit, or use a credit card, add the borrowed money and interest rate into the investment cost.
Let’s put the calculation to work on a couple home project examples. Keep in mind, the numbers used below are hypothetical. Prices will vary based on the scale of your project and the cost of labor and materials in your area.
Adding insulation and air sealing your home are some of the most cost-effective home improvement projects and can save money year-round by reducing the energy needed from your heating and cooling systems. The United States Environmental Protection Agency estimates that air sealing and insulation can save an average of 15% on heating and cooling costs or an average of 11% on total energy costs, with higher savings in the North and South because of more extreme temperature swings. Attics, walls, rim joists, or floors over crawlspaces should be insulated. The ROI will vary based on your location, existing insulation levels, and project cost.
If you’re looking for the most bang for your buck, calculate the ROI of adding insulation and air sealing your home.
Let’s say you spend $3,000 to insulate your home, saving $330 per year for the next 20 years. Your net profit is $3,600. Then, divide the net profit by the total cost of the investment, $3,000, and multiply it by 100. That’s a ROI of 120%.
Rooftop solar is another investment that some people consider. Let’s say a solar system costs $20,000 and is projected to save $30,000 over 25 years. With a net profit of $10,000, the ROI is 50%. Solar system costs and savings vary depending on where you live, how you pay for the system, and your cost for electricity.
Keep in mind that you will still be grid-tied if you have a rooftop solar system installed. You will still receive a monthly bill from your electric co-op. Some door-to-door solar salespeople promise you’ll see not only a reduction in electricity costs but total elimination of your electric bill. This is not true. If you are considering rooftop solar, it is best to contact your local electric co-op first.
You might be eligible for tax credits or incentives through your electric cooperative, state programs, or federal energy-efficient home improvement and residential clean energy programs to reduce the up-front costs for energy efficiency or renewable energy projects. Federal credits are valid for systems installed this year before December 31.
Most of us have limited funds for investing in our homes. Get project quotes from several different companies and calculate ROIs to make the best decisions for your home and your bank account.
Miranda Boutelle is the chief operating officer at Efficiency Services Group in Oregon, a cooperatively owned energy efficiency company. She has more than 20 years of experience helping people save energy at home.
RELIABILITY FOR EVERY MILE
At Tri-State G&T, our energy mix is as diverse as the landscapes we serve. With renewables, natural gas, battery storage, and more, we’re delivering reliable, affordable power with an electric system that’s built for the long haul. Whether increasing storm resilience or meeting the growing energy demand, the decisions we’re making now will help safeguard reliability in the rural West for years to come.
WHATEVER THE FUTURE HOLDS, WE’LL POWER IT.®
Learn more about Tri-State’s energy mix
Tri-State is a not-for-profit power supplier to cooperatives and public power districts in Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico and Wyoming.
Marvelous Marble Experience small-town natural beauty
By Becky Jensen
Step back in time as you drive into the tiny hamlet of Marble — an unpaved, unpretentious mountain town known for its mining history, delicious barbecue, and spectacular fall colors. Located at the headwaters of the Crystal River in the Elk Mountains, Marble is 40 miles south of Glenwood Springs, just off the West Elk Loop Scenic Byway. Weather permitting, October is a wonderful time to visit this hidden gem.
A SOURCE OF PRIDE
The area is known for its exquisitely pure marble, hence the town’s name. Stone from nearby Yule Marble Quarry was used for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C.
This photo shows Yule marble blocks at the historic work area in Marble, with the stony peak of Treasure Mountain in the background. The quarry itself is farther up in the mountains. This site, now a city park, is a popular tourist destination.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Marble has no gas station or cellphone reception. Carbondale and Paonia are your last stops for fuel and cell service, so plan accordingly.
Photo by bluerabbit/iStock/Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
EAT AWARD-WINNING BBQ
For ridiculously good food, stop at Slow Groovin BBQ for a mindblowing meal of locally sourced prime brisket, pulled pork, house-made sides, and more. Enjoy Colorado craft beers and ciders, or a Slow Groovin signature cocktail, in a down-home welcoming atmosphere. Open seven days a week until they close for the season at the end of October, be sure to call 970-963-4090 to confirm doors are open before you make the drive. Check out their mouth-watering menu at slowgroovinbbq.com
STAY IN HISTORIC CABINS
Immerse yourself in local history when you stay at Beaver Lake Lodge and Cabins on the east end of town. The main lodge was a school back in the late 1800s, and the five cabins housed quarry workers a century ago. Today, all rooms have been freshly renovated and modernized for comfort without losing their vintage character. Book your stay at beaverlakelodge.com
CRYSTAL MILL IS A MUST
No visit to Marble is complete without seeing the iconic Crystal Mill — one of the most photographed historic landmarks in Colorado. Perched on a rocky outcrop, the former powerhouse is a reminder of the region’s fearless mining heritage. The wooden mill is especially picturesque in early to mid-October when surrounding aspens are at their golden peak.
GET TO THE MILL
It’s an 11-mile round trip to Crystal Mill, give or take, on a rugged four-wheel drive road. You can reach the mill by either hiking the steep grade, driving an off-road vehicle at your own risk, or hiring the experienced pros at Crystal River Jeep Tours to take you up. A great compromise is to buy a oneway jeep ride to the mill, then hike back on your own. For pricing and reservations, call Crystal River Jeep Tours at 970-963-1991.
Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies
INSTRUCTIONS
CHEESECAKE FILLING
1. Line a small cookie sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Put the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla into a mixing bowl. Mix on high speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Scoop the cheesecake filling into 16 portions — about 11/2 tbsp each — and place onto the small cookie sheet.
4. Place in the freezer for at least 2 hours, but it is best if they freeze overnight.
PUMPKIN COOKIES
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line two large cookie sheets with parchment paper.
2. Place three layers of paper towels on a large plate. Spread
Yields 16 cookies
INGREDIENTS
CHEESECAKE FILLING
8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
4 tbsp granulated sugar
½ tsp vanilla
PUMPKIN COOKIES
¾ cup canned pumpkin puree
1 cup bread flour, spooned and leveled
1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp cream of tartar
½ tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup light brown sugar
2 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla
SPICED SUGAR MIX
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ tsp pumpkin pie spice
the pumpkin puree over the paper towels to absorb the extra liquid from the puree. You may also place paper towels on top and gently press to remove as much liquid as possible. You will need to repeat this step until little to no liquid is transferred to the paper towels.
3. In a bowl, sift together the flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Set aside.
4. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
5. Add the eggs and vanilla and continue to mix for 1 minute.
6. Add the dried pumpkin puree and mix for 2-3 minutes on medium speed.
7. Add the dry ingredients and mix on low or by hand until fully combined.
8. Scoop 3 tbsp of cookie dough, roll it into a ball, and slightly flatten.
9. Take one frozen cheesecake ball and place it in the center of the cookie dough.
10. Fold the edges of the cookie dough and close the ball, ensuring no cheesecake is exposed. Repeat with all of the cookie dough and cheesecake balls.
11. Roll each cookie dough ball in the spiced sugar mix and place on the cookie sheet.
12. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, until edges are slightly golden brown.
13. Allow 5-10 minutes to cool.
Recipe and photo by Audria Rayne
LIGHT UP NAVAJO
Earlier this year, Colorado Country Life readers responded with generosity to a call for support, and that support made a real difference. Thanks to your donations totaling more than $4,500 and a $25,000 donation from GridLiance, Colorado’s electric co-ops were able to gift an electric appliance to Navajo families’ homes that were energized during this year’s Light Up Navajo initiative. Families were able to choose a refrigerator, portable air conditioning unit, storage freezer, or microwave oven to be installed in their newly electrified home.
Between April and July, linecrews from seven Colorado electric cooperatives volunteered one week at a time to help build electric infrastructure in remote communities. These co-op crews worked alongside the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority to install poles, string wire, energize meters, and bring power to homes that have never been connected to the grid.
HOMES ELECTRIFIED BY 36 LINEWORKERS
DONATIONS across 5 weeks
from 7 co-ops
A summer of service and powerful connection $4,500 from readers $25,000 from
From the Colorado co-op crews in the field to the families now living with electricity, one message rings clear: THANK YOU.
STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT, AND CIRCULATION
Publication Title: COLORADO COUNTRY LIFE; Publication No.: 469-400; Filing Date: September 18, 2025; Issue Frequency: Monthly; No. of Issues Published Annually: 12; Annual Subscription Price: $15; Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher, Editor, and Managing Editor Publisher: Publisher: Cassi Gloe, 455 S. Pierce Street, Lakewood, CO 80226; Editor: Kylee Coleman, 455 S. Pierce Street, Lakewood, CO 80226; Managing editor: Not applicable; Owner Full Name: Colorado Rural Electric Association; Complete Mailing Address: 455 S. Pierce Street, Lakewood, CO 80226; Known Bondholders, Mortgages, and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 Percent or More of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages, or Other Securities: None. The purpose, function, and nonprofit status of this organization and the exempt status for federal income tax purposes: Has not changed during preceding 12 months.
I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. I understand that anyone who furnishes false or misleading information on this form or omits material or information requested on the form may be subject to criminal sanctions (including fines and imprisonment) and/or civil sanctions (including civil penalties).
Cassi Gloe, Publisher 09/18/2025
The Enduring Gift of Gold
LEAVE A LEGACY
Leave a legacy for future generations, nothing embodies this sentiment quite like the enduring gift of gold from American Gold Reserve. With its intrinsic value and historical significance, represents stability and prosperity across generations, making it a cherished asset to pass down. Secure your family’s future with a gift that stands the test of time, ensuring a legacy of financial security and enduring value.
American Gold Reserve is releasing Government issued $5 Gold American Eagles completely free of dealer markup for only $349 each. These beautiful $5 Gold American Eagles are a perfect way to enter the gold market. They are set for immediate public release and will sell out fast
• Teach the importance of wealth preservation.
• Great way to pass on wealth to children and grand children.
• A symbolic act of the commitment to your family.
• Gold provides your children and grandchildren with a built-in safeguard during times of financial instability.
Colorado Microbrews
By Gaylene Garcia Granger
Colorado beer lovers are a little spoiled when it comes to craft beer. With crisp and fruity options or rich, chocolatey stouts, the range of microbrews is as diverse as the state itself. Some brews are decorated with awards; others gain a following after the recommendation of family, friends, and neighbors. One thing is certain: It’s tough to go wrong when you’re hunting for a good, locally brewed pour.
RAMBLEBINE — GRAND JUNCTION
Ramble refers to the desire to wander, explore, and to do so without a solid plan or expected result. Similarly, this Grand Junction brewer likes to explore, try new ideas, and not be tied to specific styles. Bine is a resilient hop vine, constantly reaching higher but, like the brewery, always tied to its roots. It’s a philosophy the brewers are as passionate about as their beer. They use traditional brewing methods for classic styles and push the envelope to explore new flavor and aroma profiles for modern beers. They are best known for their IPAs, fruit sours, and lagers, and this fall you can also taste a local favorite, Loki White Stout — a blond ale that tastes like a full-bodied stout with coffee and hazelnut tones. Co-owner Eli Gerson says that customers “flip over it.” Check out more flavors at ramblebinebrewing.com.
CARVER BREWING CO. — DURANGO
If you’re seeking an award-winning microbrew, you’ll have plenty of choices at Carver Brewing Company in Durango. This family-owned brewpub run by brother and sister team Colin and Claire Carver is one of the first microbreweries in Colorado, and they’ve been perfecting their beer since 1988. Their beer menu is quite extensive, but here’s the catch: It cannot be bought in liquor stores, so if you want to taste for yourself, it’s time to head to Durango and pull up a stool at the bar, just like a local. This fall, they feature an Oktoberfest beer that is among the most popular of all the beer they make. To peruse the full menu, visit carverbrewing.com.
MOUNTAIN MERMAN — LA VETA
When Jen and JD Lind were looking for a place to open their brewery and tap room, they could hardly believe their luck in coming upon the town of La Veta. It had everything they were looking for in a small mountain town — good community, stunning beauty, and great fly-fishing. What really clinched the decision? It didn’t have a brewery … yet. As Jen puts it, “La Veta has some magic, and the town has welcomed us with open arms.” Mountain Merman is aptly named for JD’s passion for fly-fishing. Jen says, “If he could grow a tail and jump in, he would!” When he’s not on the water, JD is prepping the next batch of Gold Hackle hefeweizen, Tailwaters light lager, or a seasonal fruity beer. Using quality locally grown wheat, barley, and yeast, Mountain Merman supports local grain growers with every sip. See what’s on tap at mountainmerman.com
Photo courtesy of Ramblebine
Photo courtesy of Carver Brewing Co.
Photo courtesy of Mountain Merman
Colorado Country Life
Joanna DeSanto takes a break from sightseeing in London and York in the United Kingdom to snap a photo with her copy of CCL. Joanna is a member of Sangre de Cristo Electric.
Lonnie and Kathy Brown, San Isabel Electric members, explore 11 ports while cruising to Iceland, Norway, Scotland, and England. Thanks for bringing CCL along!
PACK. SNAP. SHARE. WIN!
Show us your adventures with the magazine for a chance to WIN $25.
Upload your photo with CCL on our website at coloradocountrylife.coop
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Sangre de Cristo Electric member Darwin Barrie brings CCL to Des Moines, Iowa, to celebrate his mom’s 105th birthday. Pictured are his wife Mary, sister Teresa, and daughter Heather.
Ramona and Kenny Phipps, Highline Electric Association members, take their copy of CCL to Steamboat Springs.
Kevin and Nanette Hartig, members of Poudre Valley REA, bring CCL to Breisach, Germany, and take a photo at the historic gate at the entrance to the road leading to Saint Stephen’s Cathedral, which overlooks the town.
Chase Gertge, 12, catches up on some summer reading with the magazine at Medicine Creek Lake in Nebraska. Chase is a member of Y-W Electric.
In 1986, Mountain View Electric member Paul Krause was posted to the U.S. Army Hospital in Berlin. Here’s Paul in Berlin in July with CCL at the Allied Museum and the world-famous Checkpoint Charlie, the gateway to East Berlin.
Young Mountain View Electric members, the Kotts kids, take a photo with the magazine while on safari in Botswana. Dad, Matt, is behind the camera.
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